LPA east of extreme N. Luzon develops into tropical depression 'Ineng'
The low-pressure area (LPA) east of extreme Northern Luzon has become a tropical depression and was named “Ineng,” the ninth tropical cyclone for 2023 and first for September.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ineng developed at 2 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the tropical depression was slowly moving northward, and it was last located 925 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph.
PAGASA said Ineng may remain far from the Philippine landmass and may leave the country’s area of responsibility Tuesday evening or Wednesday, Sept. 6.
It may not directly affect the country, but it will help to strengthen the southwest monsoon, which is currently being enhanced by tropical storm Haikui (formerly “Goring”).
PAGASA said the trough or extension of Ineng may bring scattered moderate to heavy rains (50-100 millimeters) to Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela in the next 24 hours.
Heavy to intense monsoon rains (100-200 millimeters) may prevail over Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan, while occasional moderate to heavy rains may continue to affect Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
The rest of Luzon may also experience scattered moderate to heavy monsoon rains and thunderstorms.
PAGASA warned of possible flooding or landslide in these areas.